TEWIN PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 7^th April 2008 in Tewin Memorial Hall at 8pm

Present: Cllrs K.Lawson (Chairman), K.St Pier, B. Evans, A.Hill, D. Howson, D.Lloyd and S.Stott.

In attendance: Mrs C.McFarlane (Clerk), and 5 members of the public.

125. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from East Herts District Cllr L.Haysey and East Herts District Cllr M.McMullen

PARISHIONERS’ COMMENTS

Mrs Morrisoe, 2 Upper Green explained that the reason for their planning application was to provide extra space for their family.

Mr Tony Langford advised the Council that he is communicating with both the Environment Agency and Three Valleys Water about the borehole and licensing issues and is trying to ascertain their plans and the effect they would have on the surrounding area. The Council agreed to discuss ways of supporting Mr Langford later in the meeting.

Mr & Mrs Gregg attended to express their objections to the proposed dwelling at 22 Hertford Road, as it is too big for the site and not in keeping with the surrounding area. They also wished to express their appreciation of John Sheridan’s hard work on the Parish Plan.

Mrs Newton, 13 Hertford Road attended to raise her concerns over the development proposal at 22 Hertford Road and the adverse effect it would have upon the landscape at the entrance to the village, the height of the proposed dwelling, the impact of more cars accessing the narrow road and the inadequate visibility splays.

126. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETINGS held 3^rd March 2008 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

127. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

Cllr A.Hill declared a personal interest as the borehole is on his land (see Planning below).

128. CO-OPTION OF A NEW COUNCILLOR

On 7.4.08 (the date of this meeting) Mr Simon Newton advised the Council by email that with regret he wished to withdraw his interest in becoming a Parish Councillor as he felt he would not be able to give sufficient time to the role of Councillor due to work commitments. There would therefore be one and not two candidates for the co-option.

Mr John Sheridan attended the meeting to express his interest in becoming a Councillor and explained that after living in the village for 5 years he is dedicated to maintaining and improving village life in Tewin. He is an active member of the village being Vice Chairman of Friends of Tewin, Chairman of the Allotments Association and Chairman of the Parish Plan Steering Group

The Parish Council thanked him for attending and agreed to discuss co-option later on in the meeting.

129. NO MATTERS ARISING

130. FINANCE

Accounts for Payment - In accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations the schedule of payments amounting to £1874.37 was approved by the Council.

Clerk’s Contract – The Council agreed to include an “Additional Hours” Clause. Cllr S.Stott and D.Howson agreed to look into the wording of the following clauses: - 6 Salary, 11 Hours of Work, 12 Annual Leave, 14 Scale of Payment under Sickness Absence

Report on the Year End – The audit form has been received and must be submitted to the auditors by 27^th June 2008.

Financial Risk Assessment – A model assessment has been received from SLCC and the Clerk has adapted it to fit Tewin Parish Council’s requirements. Cllrs Bryan Evans and Doreen Lloyd agreed to assist the Clerk in completing it in good time for the internal audit.

131. PLANNING

Planning Applications Received and Responded to on 17.3.08

3/08/0324/FP/HS – 53 Orchard Road, Tewin – Single storey front extension – TPC No Obj

3/08/0308/FP/JS – 43 Bishops Road, Tewin – Rear single storey extension and conservatory – TPC No Obj

Planning Applications Received

3/08/0516/FP/JS – 22 Hertford Road, Tewin – Erection of one 4 bed detached dwelling with integral garage – Three objections received from parishioners and one letter in support.

TPC Obj on basis of over development of site, too close to boundary, loss of trees, size and proximity to neighbouring properties, concerns over access onto road and future plans as it is difficult to judge cumulative effect of plans.

3/08/0493/FP/HS – 2 Upper Green, Tewin – Single storey rear extension with link to existing garage. TPC Obj on the basis of over development, lack of reference to recently approved application 3/07/0708, cumulative effect of extension as the link will result in first floor above garage being incorporated into the main body of the building.

Possible Removal of Hedge Outside 2 Upper Green – The Council agreed that they would strongly object to any encroachment on the verge outside 2 Upper Green and wish to preserve the rural nature of the village and the surrounding landscape with indigenous hedging. The Council asked the Clerk to advise Highways of their view.

Planning Decisions Received from EHC

3/08/0064/FP – 8 Hertford Road, Tewin – Single storey rear extension and detached rear outbuilding – TPC No obj – EHC Granted

3/07/2673/FP – Quisty Birches, Tewin Close, Tewin – Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 6 bed dwelling & detached garage – TPC No Obj – EHC Granted

3/08/0088/FP – Land Rear of 1-4 Tewin Hill, Tewin – Two-bed chalet bungalow – TPC No Obj – EHC Granted

Appeal Decision on 3/07/1659/FP - 22 Firs Walk, Tewin – Two storey rear extension, first floor front extension and proposed porch – TPC No obj although expressed concern at the height of the roof – EHC Refused - Appeal Dismissed on the basis that it would result in a large and bulky building with a visually over dominant roof form that would be contrary to local plan policies.

Enforcement Issues – Nothing to report.

Housing Capacity Assessment and Edge of Settlement Survey – Cllr K St Pier and Cllr S.Stott compiled a response, which was circulated amongst the Council and sent.

Seven Acres – Cllr K St Pier met with M.Cook and P.Loughrey about the new access over village green. They have been referred to Herts County Council, Rural Estates Department. Cllr S.Stott asked that they be reminded to contact the neighbours on the boundaries regarding adequate screening of the boundary.

Borehole – The Council agreed that this issue was of concern and agreed to support Tony Langford by writing to the Environment Agency upon receipt of his next letter. The Council also agreed to advise the local MP and ask him to consider it urgently.

132. HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION

Flashing Speed Signs – The Clerk and 4 Councillors met with Dambach on 7.4.08 and saw a working 450 roundel sign displaying 30mph and Slow Down, powered by a 50watt solar panel. Special ground sockets can be purchased so as to make the sign moveable. From order to installation is approx 6 weeks.

The Council agreed to ask for a formal quote and write to Highways outlining the proposal.

Meeting with Highways -The Clerk met Highways on 12.3.08 to discuss the following 2 items: -

• Churchfield Road – Highways would not put in any cut-ins and suggested asking the landowner.
• Footpath from Godfries to Garage/Flashing Speed Sign – Highways advised that for both projects a survey has to be done that may have to be paid for by the Council and a proposal is then submitted to the JMP Panel by Highways. The Council agreed to send a letter to Highways advising them of both proposals.

Highways Integrated Works Programme – The Parish Council has been advised that Hertford Rd/Welwyn Rd are scheduled for surface dressing pre patching and then surface dressing. The Council agreed to request Upper Green Road, Upper Green and Orchard Road be added to the list.

133. PARISH PLAN

The meeting of the Steering Group volunteers on 17.3.08 was successful.

The Parish Council agreed to postpone adoption of the Parish Plan including the Action Plan until the next meeting.

134. YOUTH CLUB

The Council agreed to postpone this report until the next meeting.

135.WAR MEMORIAL RESTORATION

The Clerk and Cllr K St Pier are meeting the Church Warden on 9.4.08 to discuss restoration.

136. PLAYGROUND

Playground Weekly Inspections – No incidents to report.

Playground Nets - These have been replaced in accordance with the planning condition for the playground.

Football Posts – These have been moved to the back of Upper Green so as to not impose on the cricket outfield during the cricket season.

137. LOWER GREEN, UPPER GREEN & PAVILION

Replacement Tokens – Cllr S.Stott has a contact that may be able to replicate these tokens.

Hot Water Tank Replacement – The current tank was found to be leaking and the Clerk in consultation with the Chairman and the Vice Chairman has accepted a quote of £455.90 to replace it with a slightly larger tank and a new immersion heater.

Installation of Benches on Lower Green – These are expected to be installed by the end of the month.

Refurbishment of the Pavilion – The Council has been advised that the Cricket Club and the Tennis Club are no longer going to undertake a joint venture and have been asked to submit individual plans to the Council when they are ready.

Rabbit Holes – The Council agreed to send a letter to the Cricket Club advising them that the green is used at their own risk.

138. ANNUAL RISK ASSESSMENT

The Council agreed to hold the annual risk assessment on 25.4.08 at 10.30am and on 28.4.08 at 7pm, meeting at the tennis club car park

139. CO-OPTION

The Council agreed to co-opt Mr John Sheridan at the next Parish Council meeting.

140. CORRESPONDENCE

Fun Run – A sponsored Fun Run will be held at 3pm on 18.5.08 from Lower Green, Tewin

Parish Council Insurance – The renewal quote has been received.

141. REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES

Tewin Charities Trustees – Nothing to report.

Tewin Memorial Hall